Baden-Württemberg’s Sports Minister Questions DTB-Commissioned Inquiry into Abuse Allegations
Minister Theresa Schopper calls for an independent investigation
Baden-Württemberg’s Sports Minister Theresa Schopper has expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing investigation into abuse allegations in Stuttgart and Mannheim by a law firm commissioned by the German Gymnastics Federation (DTB).
"We need an independent body for the investigation," said the Greens politician at a meeting of the state parliament’s Committee for Culture, Youth and Sports. "It is clear to us that an expert council must be additionally appointed, because the athletes do not trust the law firm," explained the chairperson of the Conference of Sports Ministers.
Schopper’s comments came in response to an open letter from former top gymnasts and supporters. The 28 signatories argued that the inquiry cannot be independent, suggesting that the results could be influenced by the DTB’s interests. They demanded that the mandate of the law firm be revoked.
"We must take the gymnasts’ open letter seriously," said committee chairperson Petra Häffner (Greens), who is also a member of the presidium of the Swabian Gymnastics Federation (STB). She is convinced that the law firm cannot conduct an independent investigation. "It is not целевая to continue working with the law firm under these circumstances," she stated.
The law firm Rettenmaier has already investigated allegations of abuse at the Chemnitz training center in 2020 on behalf of the DTB. It is clear that this law firm does not enjoy the trust of the affected parties and is not accepted by the gymnasts, said SPD member of parliament Sascha Binder. Therefore, it is not suitable to investigate the cases.
According to Schopper, the DTB will inform the ministry about the details of the planned external investigative commission on Friday. "We will not dictate the individuals who will be on the expert panel, but we will advise," said the minister. It is important to have the trust of the athletes. Currently, state funding for the Artistic Gymnastics Forum in Stuttgart has been frozen pending an external investigation into the abuse allegations. This is "the leverage we have to demand an independent investigation," said Schopper.
Since shortly before Christmas, athletes have made serious allegations, including "systematic physical and mental abuse" and catastrophic conditions in Stuttgart. Similar allegations have recently been raised at the Mannheim training center.
Concerns about the independence of the investigation
The signatories of the open letter expressed several concerns about the independence of the Rettenmaier law firm. They noted that the firm has previously worked for the DTB, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest. Furthermore, they argued that the firm lacks the expertise in dealing with cases of abuse, particularly within the sports context.
Calls for an expert council
The Grünen-Politician and opposition members called for the establishment of an expert council to oversee the investigation. They argued that such a council would provide independent oversight and ensure that the investigation is conducted in a fair and impartial manner. The council would be composed of experts in the fields of child protection, psychology, and law.
DTB’s response
The DTB has defended the appointment of Rettenmaier law firm, arguing that it is a reputable firm with experience in conducting independent investigations. The DTB has also stated that it is committed to ensuring that the investigation is conducted in a fair and impartial manner.
Next steps
The DTB is expected to provide further details about the planned external investigative commission to the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Sports on Friday. The ministry will then review the proposal and make a decision on whether to approve it.
The allegations of abuse in Stuttgart and Mannheim have cast a shadow over the sport of gymnastics in Germany. The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in restoring trust in the sport and ensuring that athletes are protected from abuse.
